New piano making music at Apponequet

LAKEVILLE — Benjamin Durfee, 16, played a few chords on the grand piano in the auditorium of Apponequet High School.

KIM LEDOUX

LAKEVILLE — Benjamin Durfee, 16, played a few chords on the grand piano in the auditorium of Apponequet High School.

"It was my favorite," said the regular pianist for the chorus. "I had a couple of ideas in my mind when we went to pick it out. This piano has a lovely sound and is equal in all registers."

The new Petrof grand piano recently replaced a worn-out Baldwin that had accompanied high school singers for almost 40 years.

"Sometimes with the other one the notes just didn't play or would keep on playing like someone was holding the sustain pedal," chorus director Denise Haskins said.

She explained how a school environment can be rough on a piano because it is moved around and played a lot.

"The old one still worked fine, but it had to be tuned all the time," said Justin Tonini, 15, a member of the chorus.

Two years ago, Ms. Haskins decided to initiate an effort to purchase another piano, a goal that required significant fundraising.

"We did it several ways. The School Committee gave us our first thousand. The Music Boosters put in a lot of effort. In the summer, we have Summer Sing and do a number of gigs. Any donation we received for gigs in the last two years went to the piano fund. Another big piece was the Alumni Association, which gave $8,400."

The cost of the Petrof, with trade-in for the Baldwin, came to approximately $20,000.

Students and staff are thrilled with the new addition to the Music Department.